UMaine alumni among 2019 County Teachers of the Year in Maine

University of Maine alumni were among those honored last week as County Teachers of the Year by the Maine Department of Education and Educate Maine. Of the 15 educators recognized, six have degrees from UMaine:

  • Androscoggin County Teacher of the Year: Shawn Rice, B.A. in studio arts/arts education
  • Aroostook County Teacher of the Year: Kimberly Barnes, M.Ed. in educational leadership
  • Franklin County Teacher of the Year: Robert Taylor, M.S. in secondary education
  • Knox County Teacher of the Year: Thomas Gray, M.A. in social studies education and M.A. in history
  • Penobscot County Teacher of the Year: Tracy Deschaine, B.S. in biochemistry
  • Somerset County Teacher of the Year: Katherine Bertini, M.Ed. in curriculum, assessment and instruction

County Teachers of the Year are nominated by members of their community and selected by a panel of teachers, principals and business community members based on their service in education and dedication to their students. The field of 15 will be narrowed to eight semifinalists, who will put together a professional portfolio, part of the National Teacher of the Year process. Three finalists will be named following a portfolio review and presentations to a select panel. The 2020 Maine Teacher of the Year will be named in October.

More information about the 2019 County Teachers of the Year is on the Maine Department of Education website.